British Petroleum (bp) has appointed Ian Tyler as Chair of the company following an extensive search process, including both internal and external candidates. He will assume the role immediately, according to a press release by bp.

Ian joined the bp Board as a non-executive director in April 2025 and was appointed Interim Chair on May, 26,  2026.

He has worked alongside more than 15 chief executives during his extensive non-executive career spanning listed and private companies across oil and gas, natural resources and engineering businesses. He is currently Chair of Grafton Group plc and Senior Independent Director of Anglo American plc. He has also previously chaired Cairn Energy plc and served as non-executive director of BAE Systems plc.

Commenting on the appointment, Dame Amanda Blanc, bp’s Senior Independent Director, said: “I am delighted that the board has unanimously appointed Ian Tyler as Chair of bp. Ian brings significant experience providing challenge and support to executive teams, while maintaining strong governance and oversight on behalf of shareholders.”

“These qualities have been evident during his time as Interim Chair, where he has secured the confidence of the board and executive management through his considered leadership, judgement and integrity,” she added.

For his part, Ian said: “I am honored that the board of bp has appointed me as its chair. It has been a privilege to work directly with Meg O’Neill over the past few months and to see the impact she has had since her arrival.”

“I will lead the board’s evolution, ensuring we have the depth, experience and capabilities needed to support the company’s strategic priorities and long-term value creation. I am committed to establishing regular and transparent engagement with our shareholders, while continuing to support the wider leadership team as they deliver the performance and value our shareholders rightfully expect,” he added.

bp also announced that Dame Amanda Blanc has informed the board that she will not stand for re-election at the 2027 AGM and will step down from the board once a successor has been appointed as Senior Independent Director.

Tyler’s appointment comes as bp implements a new strategy under CEO Meg O’Neill, who took over in April and became the company’s fifth CEO since 2020. O’Neill outlined five priorities for bp last month: strengthening the balance sheet, simplifying the portfolio, tightening investment discipline, improving operational performance, and enabling faster decision-making and greater accountability.

BP is also targeting a net debt reduction of $14 billion to $18 billion by the end of 2027, with analysts expecting the company to achieve the target ahead of schedule.